Left: Whitney Matney on the Ricki Lake Show Right: Diana Valentin on ABC News, New York

If you’ve ever visited us on Facebook, you’ve probably seen our customers’ posts describing how our products helped them right a wrong, protect their loved ones or gather crucial information. But sometimes, BrickHouse solutions serve as a catalyst for real change. We’re proud to share the stories of two everyday heroes who, after uncovering wrongdoing, took steps to make the world a safer place.

“The states need to speak for the children and alert parents to the names of previously convicted child abusers,” Whitney writes on her petition page. “This information should be easily accessible, free and public!”

Click here to read more about Whitney’s invaluable initiative and to sign the petition.

Diana is currently working with City Councilman James Vacca’s office to draft a bill allowing anyone to install surveillance cameras out in the open in elder care facilities. While Diana was able to get around laws currently on the books by installing a camera that doesn’t record audio, she wants to make full surveillance legal in nursing homes.

By allowing security cameras in elder care facilities, Diana hopes that elder abuse will be prevented before it starts. Diana went through multiple administrative channels before taking action herself. This new bill would keep nursing home staff honest by informing them that everything they do is under review.

Diana isn’t expecting elder and mental care facilities to provide the cameras themselves, she says, but rather that the law enable concerned sons and daughters to ensure that their parents are getting the care they deserve.

“If it makes it easier to prevent abuse, I will pay for the cameras,” she said. “Other people will pay for them, too.”

The idea of elder care accountability seems like a no-brainer for any politician to endorse, but as with any political action, there is a chance for backlash. Nevertheless, Diana remains optimistic.

“Everyone that I speak to at [Vacca]’s office seems to be very positive about the bill. So I don’t see any problem getting it passed,” she said. “But we still have a long way to go.”

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About the author ⁄ Erik Helin

Erik is the chief Copywriter with BrickHouse Security. Hailing from the Midwest (Wisconsin), Erik moved to NYC in 2010, securing a job at BrickHouse shortly thereafter. Outside of work he writes about music, does freelance advertising work, and wastes his life on the internet. Aside from no-brainers like cheese and beer, Erik enjoys music, travel, TV, his cat, and Brooklyn.